Ryan Harrow leaves Kentucky for Georgia State, a decision that may be good for everyone

Unlike most transfers in which one side wins and one side loses, Ryan Harrow's decision to leave Kentucky appears to be mutually beneficial.

Harrow will get a fresh start, plenty of playing time and the opportunity to be closer to his Atlanta home as a result of his decision to transfer to Sun Belt Conference-bound Georgia State. And Kentucky will avoid the potential chemistry issues that could have arisen from Harrow losing his starting point guard position to incoming freshmen Andrew or Aaron Harrison.

Since Harrow already sat out the entire 2011-12 season after transferring from NC State to Kentucky, he would only have one year of eligibility remaining if he also has to sit out the 2013-14 season at Georgia State. He will petition the NCAA for a waiver because part of the motivation for his decision to attend Georgia State is to be closer to his father, who suffered a stroke last year.

"I really need to be home with him to be closer to him to make sure he’s taken care of," Harrow told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "My dad is really into basketball. He wants to be at games but he can’t travel. With me being here I can go and check on him and make sure he’s OK."

If Harrow is able to attain that waiver – no sure bet considering playing time also probably played a role in his decision – the third party that stands to benefit is Georgia State. Even though Harrow was unable to play at the level of John Calipari's previous point guards at Kentucky and Memphis, the former five-star recruit still would fill a need for a Panthers team that is thin at point guard.

Harrow averaged 9.9 points and 2.8 assists per game at Kentucky, stats similar to those he produced as a freshman at NC State during the 2010-11 season. His outside shot and his perimeter defense have room for improvement, but his quickness and ability to finish at the rim would be assets for a Georgia State team that went 15-16 in its final CAA season but brings back its three leading scorers.